Press Releases

Reasons to Visit Japan in 2018

Discover What Makes Japan One of 2018’s Hottest Destinations With New Trips, Special Savings, and Live Like a Local Experiences

NEW YORK – July 19, 2018 – Travelers interested in visiting Japan, named one of the top five “hot” destinations for 2018 in the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) annual survey of travel forecasts and trends, will find a host of new itineraries that include authentic Japanese culinary and adventure experiences, easy access to natural wonders and hidden gems from the tour operator members of USTOA.

For a look at USTOA member travel to this enchanting destination, a film crew joined Abercrombie & Kent’s “Classic Japan” itinerary. Guests describe why they traveled to the land of the rising sun and the wonders they discovered in this video https://youtu.be/z_Zm3S24q0o.

Abercrombie & Kent’s “Classic Japan” trip is available on select departure dates through October 2018, and lets guests be among the few to stay at Gôra Kadan, one of Japan’s most exclusive traditional inns, enjoy an exclusive kaiseki banquet with entertainment by a geisha, as well as learn about the country’s past and present at the Samurai Museum in Tokyo. Pricing from $10,495 per person. www.abercrombiekent.com

On Tauck’s “Essence of Japan” itinerary travelers will taste and sip their way through Japan. The 13-day trip includes a visit to a sake distillery, a private tea ceremony, and hands-on sushi and miso demonstrations. The trip also will give guests the chance to visit the Tsukiji market in Tokyo, regarded as the oldest and largest fish market in the world. Departures are available from August to November 2018 from $10,290 per person. tauck.com

Ritz Tours’ is offering travelers $75 off its “Jewels of Japan” itinerary in time to enjoy autumn in the East. The eight-night trip crosses the countryside on a bullet train past Mt. Fuji, which is surrounded by red, orange and yellow fall foliage. Travelers also will walk through Kyoto, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples. Departures are available on September 6, October 18, November 8 and 29, 2018 from $2,825 per person. Use code USTOARAJ to save $75. ritztours.com

While known for its beautiful cherry blossoms and delicious cuisine, Japan is also home to the world-class winter sports paradise of Hakuba. With Contiki’s new “Japan Winter Wonder Plus Six-Day Ski” itinerary travelers can visit Japan’s iconic sites and cities then hit the slopes in the Hakuba Valley. During this unescorted six-day add-on, guests can ski, snowboard, or even mountain glide before relaxing in a steamy onsen. Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from $3,815 per person. contiki.com

From stenciling and gold leaf classes, to a traditional kaiseki dinner with a geisha show in Kyoto, Collette’s new “Cultural Treasures of Japan” trip immerses travelers in Japanese culture and everyday life. The 14-day journey also includes a trip along the Hakone Ropeway for goliath views of Mt. Fuji, a visit to Miyajima, “Shrine Island” and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and many more culturally significant stops. Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from $4,499 per person. gocollette.com

For more information about USTOA or to find a Japanese vacation search Japan in the “Find Your Dream Vacation” section of the USTOA homepage.

Representing nearly $15 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 8.6 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.

As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

In an annual travel trend and forecast survey, USTOA tour operator members rank the top destinations to visit this year...check out whats hot for 2019.

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United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a professional, voluntary trade association created with the primary purpose of promoting integrity within the tour operator industry. USTOA is not a tour operator and it does not conduct tours, but our members do.